Goat Cheese And Pasta: A Match Made In Heaven?

does goat cheese go well with pasta

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it pairs exceptionally well with pasta. The creamy and tangy nature of goat cheese creates a velvety sauce that enhances the flavour of the pasta. The cheese's sharp taste means a little goes a long way, and it can be combined with other ingredients like basil, lemon, parsley, and garlic to create a fresh and flavourful dish. Goat cheese can be incorporated into pasta in a few different ways, and it is a popular ingredient for those seeking a quick, easy, and tasty meal.

Characteristics Values
Preparation time 25-30 minutes
Ingredients Goat cheese, basil, parsley, lemon, garlic, butter, pasta, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, arugula, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, mushrooms, onions, milk, cream, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Brussels sprouts, shallots, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, oregano, whey
Recipe Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Make sauce by heating butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add goat cheese, half-and-half, and stir. Whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to medium. Add cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and let it bubble in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. If you’d like a thinner sauce, add more of the pasta water as needed. Mix in the basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the lemon juice and zest and more pasta water if needed. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Garnish and serve.

cycheese

Goat cheese pasta recipes

Goat cheese is a well-loved ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious pasta recipes. Here are some mouth-watering goat cheese pasta recipes that you can try:

Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta

This recipe combines creamy goat cheese with basil and parsley for a fresh, green touch. It is an easy way to create a gourmet meal at home. To make this recipe, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions and reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water. For the sauce, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add garlic and sauté for about a minute until aromatic. Next, add goat cheese and half-and-half, stirring and whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat to medium, add the cooked pasta, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat the pasta and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more pasta water. Finally, mix in the basil, season with salt and pepper, add lemon juice and zest, and garnish with parsley before serving. This recipe is ready to devour in less than 30 minutes!

Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta

This recipe is a delightful combination of goat cheese and tomato sauce, resulting in a creamy and tangy delight. It is simple, fresh, and easy to make. To prepare this dish, sauté onions in olive oil until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir in the goat cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with basil before serving. This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes.

Caramelized Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pasta

This recipe is a creamy and herby delight, with caramelized mushrooms, shallots, and garlic creating an umami explosion. To prepare this dish, caramelize the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in butter and olive oil. Add the goat cheese and melt it into the pan, creating a quick and easy cream sauce. Finally, add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Tips for Using Goat Cheese in Pasta:

  • Goat cheese can be added directly to pasta, but it may become dry and sticky. To make it smoother and more liquid, consider adding whey, pasta water, or a small amount of cow's milk or cream.
  • When making a sauce with goat cheese, add it towards the end of the cooking process and melt it into the sauce before combining it with the cooked pasta.
Slicing Soft Goat Cheese: The Right Way

You may want to see also

cycheese

How to make goat cheese pasta sauce

Goat cheese is a well-loved ingredient that can be used to make a creamy and tangy pasta sauce. The sauce can be made in one pot and will be ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious goat cheese pasta sauce.

Ingredients:

  • Goat cheese
  • Pasta of your choice (penne is a good option for creamy sauces)
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon juice and zest (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Onion (optional)
  • Milk (optional)
  • Cream (optional)
  • Tomatoes (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. It is recommended to cook it al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

Next, make the sauce. Heat some butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes aromatic. Then, add the goat cheese and stir until smooth. You can also add some cream or milk for a creamier sauce. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can first sauté some onion in the butter until translucent, then add the garlic.

Once the sauce is smooth, reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked pasta and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and let it bubble in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper, and add lemon juice and zest if desired. If you want a thinner sauce, simply add more pasta water. You can also add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Your goat cheese pasta is now ready to serve! This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.

cycheese

Best pasta shapes for goat cheese pasta

Goat cheese is a well-loved ingredient that can be used to make a simple and delicious pasta dish. The tangy and creamy flavour of goat cheese pairs well with ingredients like lemon, garlic, basil, spinach, and tomatoes. The cook time for goat cheese pasta depends on the type of pasta used and whether it is fresh or dry. Dry pasta can take up to 12 minutes to cook, while fresh pasta takes only 2 to 3 minutes.

When it comes to the best pasta shapes for goat cheese pasta, small-shaped pasta varieties are often recommended for thicker, creamy sauces. Here are some specific pasta shapes that work well with goat cheese:

  • Penne: A sturdy variety that holds up well to creamy sauces.
  • Rotini
  • Farfalle
  • Shells
  • Macaroni
  • Rigatoni
  • Fusilli
  • Mafalda
  • Linguine or spaghetti: Recommended by Myriad Recipes, these long, thin pasta shapes can work well with goat cheese.
  • Fettuccine: Suggested by The Spruce Eats, fettuccine is a great pasta shape to toss with a creamy sauce. Similar pasta shapes like tagliatelle, linguine, or spaghetti can also be used.

Additionally, one recipe from Myriad Recipes suggests using conchiglie, which is a small, shell-shaped pasta.

When making goat cheese pasta, it is important to note that goat cheese can sometimes make the dish dry and sticky. To avoid this, you can add pasta water, whey, or a small amount of cream to the sauce. Adding the goat cheese at the end of the cooking process and melting it into the sauce can also help create a smooth and luxurious texture.

cycheese

Ingredients to add to goat cheese pasta

Goat cheese is a well-loved ingredient that can be used to make a simple, creamy, and tangy pasta dish. The following ingredients can be added to goat cheese pasta:

Basil

Basil adds a pop of freshness and complements the goat cheese and other ingredients like tomatoes.

Parsley

Parsley can be used as a garnish and adds a touch of green to the dish.

Lemon

Lemon juice and zest add a tangy freshness to the dish and can be used to thin out the sauce if needed.

Pasta Water

Adding pasta water to goat cheese pasta can help to thin out the sauce and prevent it from becoming too dry and sticky. It's a classic French technique called Monter au beurre, which gives a luxurious thick finish to the sauce.

Vegetables

Various vegetables can be added to goat cheese pasta, such as asparagus, peas, broccoli, spinach, or tomatoes. These add texture, colour, and a healthy boost of nutrients to the dish.

Spices and Seasonings

Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and garlic can enhance the flavour of the dish and add depth.

Meat

Meat can be added to the dish for a heartier meal. Chicken, sausage, or bacon could be good options to explore.

Other Cheeses

Other cheeses, such as Parmesan, can be added to enhance the creaminess and flavour of the dish.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of olive oil can help to make the sauce creamier and smoother.

These ingredients can be added to goat cheese pasta to enhance its flavour, texture, and overall appeal. The versatility of goat cheese makes it a great base for a simple yet delicious and creamy pasta dish.

cycheese

How to prevent goat cheese pasta from becoming dry and sticky

Goat cheese is a well-loved ingredient that can be used to make a creamy and tangy pasta sauce. While making goat cheese pasta, you might come across the problem of the cheese becoming dry and sticky. Here are some tips to prevent this:

Add Whey or Pasta Water

The best solution to prevent goat cheese pasta from becoming dry and sticky is to add whey. If you don't have whey, you can add pasta water. Adding a small amount of the reserved pasta water to the pan with your cooked pasta will help create a deliciously silky sauce that beautifully coats the pasta without clumping.

Use Olive Oil

Another way to prevent goat cheese pasta from drying out is to use olive oil. Drizzle some olive oil over your cooked, drained pasta before storing it. This will help keep the pasta from drying out and clumping together. However, if you plan on using the pasta immediately, it is best to avoid olive oil as it can prevent the sauce from adhering to the noodles.

Add Heavy Cream

You can also try mixing the goat cheese with some heavy cream to make the sauce smoother. However, it is important to note that adding cream from a cow may not be a good idea as it can cause the goat cheese to break down.

Other Tips

  • Avoid overcrowding the pot with pasta to prevent inadequate cooking space, which can cause the pasta to clump together.
  • Avoid stirring the pasta immediately after adding it to the boiling water, as this can break the delicate starches and make it more prone to sticking.
  • Avoid cooking the pasta for too long, as it can release more starch, leading to stickiness.
  • If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible to prevent the pasta from becoming gummy.

Frequently asked questions

There are many recipes for goat cheese pasta, including goat cheese pasta with basil and parsley, goat cheese pasta with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil, goat cheese pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and Brussels sprouts, and goat cheese pasta with crushed tomatoes.

Most goat cheese pasta recipes take around 30 minutes to make.

Penne pasta is a good option for goat cheese pasta because it is a sturdy variety that can hold up to creamy sauces. Other good options include rotini, farfalle, shells, macaroni, rigatoni, fusilli, and mafalda.

To make goat cheese pasta less dry and sticky, you can add some whey, pasta water, milk, or cream. You can also try a classic French technique called Monter au beurre, which involves adding a chunk of cold butter to the sauce and keeping the pan moving until the butter is dissolved, creating a thick and luxurious finish.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment